For more than a decade, design engineers have come to rely on MagnetoPot position sensors from Spectra Symbol for contactless position tracking and liquid-level measurement, especially in situations where a reed switch falls short of the need. As the company’s overall product line has expanded and matured, Spectra Symbol has developed a broad range of sensors for specialized applications including new versions of MagnetoPot.
The MagnetoPot is simple, yet elegant in its ability to track motion in a contactless manner. A magnet on the inside of a cylinder, or on the other side of a motion device will guide the built-in magnetics of the MagnetoPot for position output as a voltage divider. This can also be used as a contactless control device or potentiometer.
As opposed to a reed switch, which gives simply “open” or “close” signals, the MagnetoPot gives the full linear travel as a magnetic sensor. For about the same cost, the MagnetoPot can offers tremendous control input or sensing solutions for a fraction of the competing magnetic sensor cost, says Spectra Symbol.
As a liquid level sensor or magnetic position sensor, the MagnetoPot will give linear feedback to position. For liquid level sensors, it can be attached to the outside of a liquid tank and give position of the magnet inside the float. No water ingress, no wearing of the part by environment, because the MagnetoPot is away from the activity. Or the MagnetoPot can be engineered within a housing or conduit within a tank, an approach used often in oil & gas field equipment.
The MagnetoPot is made of polyester, fiberglass and kapton, depending on the specification required. It functions as a voltage divider, a resistor or rheostat, as desired by the end-user. By bringing the exterior magnet into a proximity necessary to connect with the internal magnetic attractors, the operator can obtain linear position sensing based on the location of the exterior magnet. As the exterior magnet moves, so does the electrical output of the MagnetoPot. Resolution depends upon the exterior magnet strength and distance to the MagnetoPot.
Today, the original MagnetoPot has been followed by MagnetoPot 2.1 and MagnetoPot 2.2 as Spectra Symbol’s engineers have continued developing new and modern applications, along with other types of sensors such as Flex Sensors, GlassPot and HotPot. OEM partnerships and custom projects have been a frequent path in the company’s development while also expanding its line of standard products. Started in 1978 as a screen printing company focused on graphics printed on plastic/lexan substrates, it quickly saw the potential for this technology’s compatibility with conductive/resistive inks and has pioneered applications of the technology.
In 2012, Spectra Symbol began developing a liquid level sensor based on the MagnetoPot1 patented technology due to requests from sensor companies serving the oil and gas industry. Now, in addition to the constant advancements in position sensor accuracy and reliability, the company has grouped its offering for the oil and gas industry into a separate division called Kodiak Instruments. Wireless connectivity for Internet of Things applications have also spurred developments and the company’s expertise with printed circuitry has been an important factor. Other developments have involved applications for health care using nano-level electrical currents for helping patients recover from in injury and in chronic pain management. In the form of a patch adhered to the skin over the problem area, the technology is exclusively manufactured by Spectra Symbol and can be purchased from a limited few holders of the licensed technology including its owned brand Neopedic.
Thin-profile potentiometers and positions sensors have become an important part of its technical capability today. Its main series of SoftPot, ThinPot, HotPot and Flex sensors are all under 0.5mm thick and extremely compact on other dimensions as well. Depending on connector choice the entire component can be almost paper-thin. Spectra Symbol is based in Salt Lake City. For more info, see www.spectrasymbol.com.
